polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpä-lē-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn 
: a polymer of ethylene
especially
: any of various partially crystalline lightweight thermoplastics (CH2CH2)x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture, have good insulating properties, and are used especially in packaging and insulation
Examples of polyethylene in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The effort will discontinue or combine several petrochemical derivatives tied to polyethylene, acrylonitrile and polycarbonate diol, according to Asahi Kasei.
—
Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
The Lchuang Garden Protection Bird Netting is made from lightweight yet durable polyethylene material that doesn’t press against plants and hinder growth.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2026
The region imports around 70% of its supply of naphtha, a petrochemical feedstock used to produce polymers like polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), from the Middle East.
—Angelica Ang, Fortune, 6 May 2026
The company specializes in making bottle capital from polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET.
—Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for polyethylene
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
The Lchuang Garden Protection Bird Netting is made from lightweight yet durable polyethylene material that doesn’t press against plants and hinder growth.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2026
The region imports around 70% of its supply of naphtha, a petrochemical feedstock used to produce polymers like polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), from the Middle East.
—Angelica Ang, Fortune, 6 May 2026
The company specializes in making bottle capital from polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET.
—Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for polyethylene
Cite this Entry
“Polyethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn
: a lightweight plastic resistant to chemicals and moisture and used chiefly in packaging
Medical Definition
polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn
: a polymer of ethylene
especially
: any of various lightweight thermoplastics (CH2CH2)x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture and are used especially in packaging, insulation, surgical implants, prostheses, and tubing
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
